The answer is: Light

Gen 1:3 - God first created light, but this wasn't light from the sun as this wasn't created until later.

In the divine narrative of creation, found in Genesis 1:3, light is the first item God brings into existence, and it plays a pivotal role in separating the day from the night. Immediately, one might wonder, what kind of light is this if the sun hasn't yet appeared? Many scholars theorize that this initial light could symbolize God's presence or the unformed energy that ultimately sets the stage for the universe as we know it.

Consider this: in many cultures, light stands as a metaphor for knowledge and enlightenment. Much like how ancient philosophers would often parallel darkness with ignorance, the act of creating light can also represent the introduction of understanding into the chaotic void. Light signifies the dawn of creation, revealing what was hidden in the darkness.

Furthermore, let's talk about how Genesis forms an echo throughout the Bible. Light permeates other significant moments, such as when Moses encounters the burning bush or when Jesus proclaims that He is the "Light of the world." This theme of light resonates even today and binds together many elements of spiritual life.

Interestingly, the number 1 often symbolizes unity and the beginning in biblical numerology. So, by creating light first, God sets a precedence not just for cycle and order, but also for his inherent goodness, illuminating the truth that creation thrives in balance and harmony.